DANIAL AND I have always wanted to experience Italy, but our days were short in December so we decided to make do with a taster trip vowing to return again someday! We decided to start off in the south and worked our way up: Naples – Rome – Florence – Pisa – Venice (via Milan). 

Naples

Pompeii ruins with Mt Vesuvius in the background


The Amphitheater with its fascinating natural acoustics
The main street where chariots used to pass, and shops lined its sides

Rome (1 hour via train from Naples)

The famed Colosseum 

Iconic Trevi fountain

Vatican City Vatican Museums – Map RoomSt Peter’s Basilica at dusk  Puppet play in the Piazza
Hotel Duca D’Alba

Florence (1.5 hour via train from Rome)

The Duomo, as seen on Netflix’s series Medici: Masters of Florence
Sculpture of David, Galleria d’AcademiaPrototype of an underwater breathing apparatus, Leonardo da Vinci Musuem
 Seafood dinner with old friends at Ristorante L’Acqua
The gorgeous view of Florence atop Piazza Michelangelo at dusk

Pisa (1hour via train from Florence)

Leaning tower of Pisa Port de Solferino

Venice (6.5 hour via train from Pisa, stopover in Milan)

My recommendations for tour and accommodation choices:

Hotel Principe Napolit’amo http://www.napolitamo.it/napolitamo-toledo/index.php/en/ 
Via Toledo 148, 80132, Naples, Italy

Visited December 2017, stayed in a double room for €67/night
The hotel is very near the Toledo station, one of the prettiest underground stations with its artwork. Located right in the midst of the bustling Napoli street with lots of shops and cafes within walking distance. The dining hall had a charm to its feel and design, breakfast was a good selection with sfogliatelle favourites. Room was decent with a comfortable sheets and blanket. Only downside was unreliable wifi and the room door had a lock issue. 
Just a few tips: The hotel is not very visible from the main street. Once you see Pandora, on the opposite there is a large green door that leads to an alley. There are only stairs leading up to the hotel reception, so do keep 10-cents loose change for the lift if you are carrying luggages. Front desk is not open 24 hours. -My TripAdvisor review (NaniSG) 

Hotel Duca D’Alba http://www.hotelducadalba.com/en/
Via Leonina 14, 00184, Rome, Italy 

Visited December 2017, stayed in a double dependence room for €100/night
An excellent location just a short walk from the subway station, and a 10-minute walk uphill to Colosseum. Had a really neat gelato shop next to the hotel. Staff was really pleasant and helpful. Would definitely stay again. -My TripAdvisor review (NaniSG) 

City Sightseeing Rome https://www.city-sightseeing.it/en/rome/

Visited December 2017, 48H bus + Skip-the-line Colosseum + Guided tour Vatican Musuems for €175/2 pax
Distance between places of interest are quite far apart, and so the city sightseeing tour 48h pass made sense for commute. A good way to see places of interest, though be mindful that the bus does not stop in front of Trevi fountain as suggested on its route map.
Would recommend getting the combo packages for further discounts – Colosseum and Vatican City skip-the-line. They include entrance fee and guided tour. Our trip to the Vatican City was fuss free thanks to the package we bought. -My TripAdvisor review (NaniSG)  

Hotel Dell O’pera http://hoteldellopera.hotelinvenice.com 
San Marco 2009, 30124, Venice, Italy 

Visited December 2017, stayed in a double room for €143/night
Well-located in the vicinity of St Marco and its shopping district, about a 5-minute walk from the main attractions. Takes about 10 minutes to walk from the boat deck, across cobbled paths and 2 bridges. We stayed in the topmost room which featured a lovely balcony and beams with high ceiling, very rustic and cosy. The hotel is right by a small canal, was not able to get the downward view of the canal from our room but now and then we could easily hear the lovely singing from passing gondolas. Felt right in Venice. -My TripAdvisor review (NaniSG)   

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